1LINK (Pvt) Limited has welcomed its newly constituted Board of Directors for the 2026-2028 term, marking the beginning of a new phase for the payment system operator as it continues to contribute to Pakistan’s evolving digital payments infrastructure. The company held the first meeting of its new Board on Friday, July 31, 2026, with the session marking the official commencement of the Board’s new tenure. The meeting focused on establishing the foundation for 1LINK’s next phase of growth while reaffirming its focus on corporate governance, strategic leadership and the continued development of Pakistan’s national payments infrastructure. The new Board is chaired by Atif Bajwa, President and CEO of Bank Alfalah Limited, bringing together senior representatives from several major financial institutions as well as independent directors with experience in banking, technology, digital transformation and financial services.
The newly constituted Board includes Nassir Salim, President and CEO of Habib Bank Limited, as a Nominee Director; Yousaf Hussain, President and CEO of Faysal Bank Limited, as a Nominee Director; Mujahid Ali, Chief Technology and Digital Transformation Officer at Allied Bank Limited, as a Nominee Director; Abdul Wahid Sethi, Chief Financial Officer at National Bank of Pakistan, as a Nominee Director; and Ali Naqvi, Chief Digital Officer at Askari Bank Limited, as a Nominee Director. The Board also includes Ammara Masood, Global Industry General Manager for Banking and Financial Services at Systems Limited, and Tania Aidrus, CEO of Waseela Global, as Independent Directors. One additional Independent Director position remains to be decided, while Najeeb Agrawalla, CEO of 1LINK, is also part of the new Board. The composition brings together expertise from banking, financial technology, digital transformation, technology and corporate leadership at a time when digital payments continue to expand across Pakistan.
During its first meeting, the new Board deliberated on the company’s strategic direction and the priorities that will shape its next stage of development. The discussions were focused on setting the foundation for future growth and supporting 1LINK’s continued contribution to the country’s digital payments landscape. As a payment infrastructure provider, 1LINK supports a range of digital financial services and connects banks, billers, aggregators and other participants across the financial ecosystem. The company is owned by a consortium of 11 banks and operates payment infrastructure that supports electronic transactions and other financial services. Its role has become increasingly relevant as banks, fintech companies and consumers move toward greater adoption of digital payment channels.
Following the Board meeting, 1LINK also organized a special town hall for its employees, with more than 450 staff members given an opportunity to meet the newly appointed Board. Atif Bajwa addressed employees during the session and shared the Board’s collective vision for the company’s future, highlighting leadership, collaboration and innovation, along with the role of employees in supporting 1LINK’s continued development. Najeeb Agrawalla welcomed the new Board and congratulated the directors on the start of their tenure. He also expressed confidence in the Board’s strategic guidance as 1LINK continues to contribute to Pakistan’s national payments infrastructure and the broader financial ecosystem.
1LINK is Pakistan’s fully licensed and designated Payment System Operator and provides a range of digital payment services through its nationwide infrastructure. The company serves more than 5,000 business customers, billers, aggregators and affiliates, supporting the wider adoption of electronic payments and contributing to the country’s transition toward a more digitally connected financial system. The appointment of the 2026-2028 Board comes as Pakistan’s payments sector continues to develop through digital banking, domestic payment schemes, instant payment services and other technology-led financial solutions. With senior representation from major banks and technology-focused organizations, along with independent directors, the new Board is expected to guide 1LINK through its next phase while maintaining its role in the development and operation of Pakistan’s digital payments infrastructure.
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